Rana Raimal Singh, also known as Rana Raimal, (r. 1473–1509) was a Hindu Rajput ruler of the Mewar. Rana Raimal was the younger son of Rana Kumbha and younger brother of his predecessor Rana Udai Singh I and father of Rana Sanga.
He came to power by defeating his patricide predecessor Rana Udai Singh I in battles at Jawar, Darimpur and Pangarh. Early in Rana Raimal's reign, Sultan Ghiyath Shah of the Malwa unsuccessfully attacked the Mewar capital, Chittor. Soon after Ghiyas Shah's general, Zafar Khan attacked Mewar and was defeated at Mandalgarh and Kairabad in north east of Mewar. By marrying Rathorji Shringar Deiji (daughter of Rao Jodha) Rana Raimal ended the long standing conflict with Rathore Rajputs. During Raimal's reign, Godwar, Toda and Ajmer were recaptured by his eldest son Prithviraj. Raimal also strengthened the state of Mewar and repaired the temple of Eklingji in Chittor.
Ascent to the throne
Raimal was not the heir-apparent as he was younger to Udai Singh I. But as fate would have it, Udai Singh I killed his father, the legendary Rana Kumbha, while he was praying to Lord Eklingji (
Shiva) and ruled for five years. Under his reign
Mewar took back Abu and
Ajmer.
Raimal fights the sultan and his nephews
Sultan of Delhi,
Sikander Lodi fought against Rana Raimal of Mewar, allying with Surajmal and Sahasmal in which the Sultan was defeated. Surajmal survived and was pardoned by Rana Raimal. He was a conspirator and ensured that sons of Raimal fought with each other in order to make his way clear to the throne. He was a brave fighter and possessed all the great qualities of his clan.
Fight at Sadri
Surajmal and Raimal's armies met at Sadri, a town that Surajmal had captured. Raimal's son Prithviraj joined his father at a crucial time in the war and directly attacked Surajmal. Many such skirmishes occurred till Surajmal finally left Mewar and settled at Pratapgarh where his descendants still flourish and keep up the name of Sisodia clan.
Last years
The last years of Raimal's rule were marked by conflict between his sons, with Prince Sanga (later
Rana Sanga) having to flee Mewar. Raimal's elder sons, Prithviraj and Jaimal were both killed. At this difficult juncture, the Rana was informed that Sanga was still alive. Raimal summoned Sanga back to Chittor and died soon afterwards.
[Sharma, Dasharatha(1970) Lectures on Rajput History and Culture, pp 79-84 Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi]
See also
Bibliography
